LAD/Blog #36: FDR’s Declaration of War

In the first line of his speech, Roosevelt calls December 7th, 1941, as "a date that will live in infamy." Roosevelt starts his speech out by making it clear that the United States had been looking to maintain peace, but had still been attacked by Japan. Roosevelt noted that Japan had attacked American troops and civilians throughout the Pacific, including a naval base at Pearl Harbor. He continues by saying that Americans were completely unaware of this incoming attack, despite the fact the peace negotiations with Japan had been ongoing at the time. As a result of this, Roosevelt concluded that the people of the United States understood how serious the situation was and that the nation was in danger. As Commander in Chief, Roosevelt had ordered the Army and Navy to take all necessary measures to defend the country. He also asked that Congress formally declare war on Japan as a consequence to the unprovoked attack. Jeannette Rankin, the first female member of Congress, was the sole "no" vote in either chamber. She voted this way because she refused to send anyone else to go fight in a war. As a result of this vote, she earned the nickname of "Japanette Rankin."





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Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering his Declaration of War on Japan

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Synthesis: George W. Bush declaring the War on Terror after the 9/11 attacks

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